State of Michigan Archives: on Immigration
Abdul El-Sayed:
Biracial families like mine inspire more diverse government
Michigan gubernatorial candidate and University of Michigan alum Abdul El-Sayed discussed his candidacy and platform to more than 150 students and community members at the Ford School of Public Policy.As the son of Egyptian immigrants,
El-Sayed recognized the unlikeliness of his candidacy. However, he stressed that his background of coming from a biracial family reflects the goals he has for Michigan to become more inclusive. "This is the American family I grew up in," El-Sayed
said. "We didn't always agree. The one thing we could agree upon was our future, that we could believe in this society regardless of background."
Opposite to what some have said about his campaign,
El-Sayed said his background and religious differences won't hinder him, but will hopefully inspire a more diverse government. "If you're not going to vote for me because I'm Muslim, you weren't going to vote for me anyway," he said.
Source: MI Daily Staff on 2018 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Mar 13, 2017
Abdul El-Sayed:
People who look like me are not sitting on the sidelines
El-Sayed told the crowd that some people think they can make the country great again by telling people who "look like me" that they don't belong here and they should sit on the sidelines. "We are not sitting on the sidelines," he said. "We must act.
We cannot wait until our children are poisoned or their schools are shut down."His supporters say his family reflects the diversity of the state.
His parents are immigrants who left Egypt in pursuit of greater opportunity in America and other family members are farmers, teachers, and small-business owners who have lived in Gratiot County for generations.
Last month, Trump ordered a controversial ban on travel for immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries wracked by terrorism including Iran, Iraq and Syria.
Source: The Detroit News on 2018 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Feb 25, 2017
Abdul El-Sayed:
Support pathway to citizenship
As the son of Egyptian immigrants, I understand the value of our immigrant communities across Michigan and the United States. In Michigan, immigrants drive our agricultural output and offer crucial healthcare services across the state.
As governor, I will support our immigrant communities and fight for a pathway to citizenship. It's time for Michigan to be a leader and consider what it can do to be a 'Sanctuary State'.
Source: 2018 Michigan Gubernatorial website AbdulForMichigan.com
Nov 1, 2017
Bill Schuette:
It isn't a ban on Muslims; Trump puts security first
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette tweeted on Monday evening his support of President Donald Trump's recent executive order barring immigrants from seven countries. In a series of three tweets,
Schuette said that he believes in an immigration policy that "discriminates against no one," that Trump's order is "not a ban on Muslims, and he is placing the security of Americans first."
Source: Detroit Free Press on 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
Jan 31, 2017
Bill Schuette:
Joined 2016 lawsuit to block DACA expansion
Q: Support DREAM Act (DACA) recipients who arrived illegally as children, to achieve legal status under certain conditions?Bill Schuette (R): Declined to comment during campaign, but joined 2016 lawsuit to block DACA expansion.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Yes. Supports clean DREAM Act that protects Dreamers from deportation & offers a path to citizenship.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Bob Young:
We have the right to kick out people we don't want here
Q: What's your opinion on immigration?A: We have the right to know who's in our country, I mean I can't even understand the contrary argument. We have a right to know who's in our country,
we have a right to kick people out that we don't want here. I absolutely agree with the president that we have to have a sane border policy.
Source: Mike Hewitt Show WKBZ-AM on 2018 Michigan Senate race
Jul 19, 2017
Bob Young:
Penalize the insanity of sanctuary cities
Q: What's your immigration policy?A: I think a nation has the absolute right to know who's in the country and whether their lawfully or not. That's just a given. I don't really understand a contrary view that the nation does not have the right to
enforce its integrity by identifying excluding if they choose, people that come into the country.
Q: What's your opinion on sanctuary cities?
A: There's a bill in the house now to penalize cities in Michigan who take that position and
I think that's the absolute right response to that insanity.
A: What about a pathway to citizenship?
Q: My view is that any solution now to immigration must exclude the possibility of rewarding
those who came into the country illegally with a pathway to citizenship. Whatever we do with that population we cannot by virtue of violating our laws allow them to become citizens.
Source: Michigan's Big Show on 2018 Michigan Senate race
Jul 19, 2017
Brenda Lawrence:
Refugees aren't terrorist; that's just more fear tactics
Q: The U.S., and Michigan specifically, has long been a place of refuge for people displaced by wars and acts of terror. Should it remain so, especially with regard to refugees from Iraq, Syria and the Middle East?Brenda Lawrence: Yes, Michigan is an
ideal place for refugees to relocate. The 14th District in particular has very diverse and welcoming communities. The stringent process that refugees go through to obtain that special status is very thorough and takes years. Talking points of refugees
being terrorist is just more fear tactics. Refugees have been successfully relocating to Michigan for years without any issues and are making contributions to our Michigan economy.
Marcia Squier (Green Party): Throughout history, our great nation has
been a place of refuge for people displaced by war and acts of terror. There is a stark contrast this time, however. We are the ones supplying the Middle East with weapons. We are exacerbating their reason for seeking refugee status in the first place.
Source: VotersGuide on 2016 Michigan House race
Nov 1, 2016
Bret McAtee:
We need a sane immigration policy
Elected officials’ drunkenness with power has made them unwatchful and irresponsible as seen in their refusal to craft a sane immigration policy and their unwillingness to be honest with us regarding the soundness of our fiscal house.
Source: Declaration of Candidacy For Michigan US Senate
Jan 1, 2006
Dave Trott:
Secure our nation's borders before discussing reform
Dave believes that securing our nation's borders is of the utmost importance to our national and economic security and must be the first step taken when discussing any immigration reform. Immigration has helped to make our nation the strongest in the
world and should continue to be allowed for those that follow the legal process. We are nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws. Dave will not support amnesty and will not allow illegal immigrants to have legal status.
Source: 2014 Michigan House campaign website, TrottForCongress.com
Nov 4, 2014
Debbie Stabenow:
Opposed immigration bill because it cost us jobs
Q: Do you support path to citizenship for illegal immigrants?STABENOW: I voted no, because it went too far and cost us jobs. I do think it’s important to have border security and legal system that is fair and effective. My focus is on our jobs
that we’re losing because of failed policies.
BOUCHARD: Border security is big issue for me. I’m against illegal immigration. 52% of illegal immigrants caught had criminal backgrounds. She voted for and then against border fence.
Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids
Oct 15, 2006
Garrett Soldano:
Pro-second amendment, against illegal immigration
In his policies, Soldano talked about how he is against the lockdowns that happened in the state, is pro-choice when it comes to vaccines, supports increasing the use
of nuclear power, is pro-second amendment, and is against illegal immigration.
Source: Huron Daily Tribune on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Aug 18, 2021
Gary Peters:
DACA has provided relief to thousands of young people
Q: Opinion on DACA?Gary Peters: "The DACA program has helped provide relief to thousands of hardworking young people." Opposed redirecting funds from already allocated programs to pay for a border wall. Cites difficulties farmers face in getting work
visas for seasonal workers.
John James: "We're putting DREAMers in a terrible position," but has not expressed support for DACA. "There are some areas where a wall or fence may be the best solution, but I would leave that to Homeland Security."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Gretchen Whitmer:
Protect DREAMers from deportation; offer path to citizenship
Q: Support DREAM Act (DACA) recipients who arrived illegally as children, to achieve legal status under certain conditions?Bill Schuette (R): Declined to comment during campaign, but joined 2016 lawsuit to block DACA expansion.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Yes. Supports clean DREAM Act that protects Dreamers from deportation & offers a path to citizenship.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Jack Bergman:
Immigration is a privilege, not a right
I believe our nation's immigration policies should put the interests of our citizens and working families first. While we can continue to be generous, immigration is a privilege, not a right, and we should never allow it for people who intend to do us
harm, or who violate our immigration laws and 'cut in line' to come here. Therefore, I am opposed to any form of amnesty for those who came here illegally.
The American people deserve to have secure national borders, and communities that are safe from foreign criminals and terrorists. While walls and fences can serve as deterrents at the border, to truly stop illegal immigration--including the estimated
40-50 percent of all illegals that simply overstay their visas--we must make the federal online E-Verify program that verifies a new employee's legal status before they are hired, mandatory for use by all employers.
Source: 2016 Michigan House campaign website BergmanForCongress.com
Nov 8, 2016
John James:
No nonsense view of illegal immigration--has to stop now
We are a nation of immigrants but we are also a nation of laws. We welcome legal immigrants,
but illegal immigration is a direct affront to our laws and to those who abide by them. We must end illegal immigration.
Source: 2018 Michigan Senate campaign website JohnJamesForSenate.com
Mar 2, 2018
Jennifer Granholm:
Signed law protecting immigrants from scam "consultants"
Granholm signed bipartisan legislation that will better regulate services related to immigration matters. "These new laws will protect immigrants from being scammed by persons who pose as 'immigration consultants' to help them fill out the myriad
of paperwork in order to obtain a work permit or visa," Granholm said. "Unsuspecting immigrants are often robbed of thousands of dollars as these consultants fill out unnecessary paperwork and documents."
Source: NRA Gubernatorial press releases (Michigan 2003-2010)
Apr 7, 2006
Jennifer Granholm:
If we want true American exceptionalism, fix immigration
If we want true American exceptionalism, let's fix immigration. In order to keep America competitive--in order to remain "exceptional"--we must leverage the key strand of our national DNA: our global diversity. Our major national competitors are mostly
homogeneous. Our diversity is our competitive advantage. Our blend of people and cultures and talent and perspectives can keep us the strongest, the smartest, the most advanced nation on Earth--if we have the right immigration policies.
Source: Politico.com column for 2014 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Nov 21, 2012
John James:
Proponent of Kate's Law; defund sanctuary cities
I understand how to secure a border because I've done it before. Sovereign nations must have secure borders and entry points. I support Kate's Law and I will support defunding 'sanctuary cities,' or as I call them, 'outlaw cities'.
[OnTheIssues note: Kate's Law requires that deported aliens who subsequently attempt to cross the border into the US are subject to fines and imprisonment].
Source: 2018 Michigan Senate campaign website JohnJamesForSenate.com
Mar 2, 2018
John James:
We must end illegal immigration & secure the border
Q: Immigration: Support DACA, letting "Dreamers" who arrived illegally as children, then grew up in the US, achieve legal status if meet certain conditions?John James (R): No public statement found. But opposes path to citizenship for America's
11 million illegal immigrants. "We must end illegal immigration" & secure the border.
Debbie Stabenow (D): Yes. Voted for original 2007 DACA bill that failed to pass. Has supported more money for border funding, mixed votes on path to citizenship.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Marcia Squier:
Moratorium on deportation of undocumented immigrants
Q: Do you support a moratorium on the deportation of undocumented immigrants whose children were born in the United States?Marcia Squier:
I do support a moratorium on the deportation of undocumented immigrants whose children were born in the United States. We should also give all such parents the opportunity to become legally recognized.
Rep. Brenda Lawrence (Dem.): Yes.
Q: Do you favor the deportation of all undocumented immigrants?
Marcia Squier: I do not support the deportation of all undocumented immigrants. I support giving them the opportunity to become legally recognized.
Brenda Lawrence: No.
Source: VotersGuide on 2016 Michigan House race
Nov 1, 2016
Marcia Squier:
Support pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens"?
A: Support
Source: OnTheIssues interview on 2018 Michigan Senate race
Jul 19, 2017
Mike Bishop:
Protect the border and prevent illegal entry
Q: Government should enforce laws designed to protect the border and to prevent illegal entry of persons into the country?
Bishop: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Michigan Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Mike Bishop:
Opposed to any amnesty
Mike Bishop knows that we must secure our borders.
Mike is opposed to any amnesty and believes that those wishing to enter this nation as citizens must follow our laws. We are a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws.
Source: 2014 Michigan House campaign website, ElectMikeBishop.com
Nov 4, 2014
Mike Bouchard:
52% of illegal immigrants have criminal backgrounds
Q: Do you support path to citizenship for illegal immigrants?STABENOW: I voted no, because it went too far and cost us jobs. I do think it's important to have border security and legal system that is fair and effective. My focus is on our jobs
that we're losing because of failed policies.
BOUCHARD: Border security is big issue for me. I'm against illegal immigration. 52% of illegal immigrants caught had criminal backgrounds. She voted for and then against border fence.
Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids, x-ref Stabenow
Oct 15, 2006
Randy Hekman:
Secure the borders but encourage legal immigration
Immigration and the right to vote were heavily discussed as well, including states requiring photo identification to vote. Hekman said immigration is important to the U.S. and legal immigration should be encouraged. "We love people, but we want people to
come legally," he said. "We've got to make sure to secure the borders. We want to encourage legal immigration. Those who have the guts to come to this country are the ones who generate jobs."
Source: CMU Central Michigan Life on 2012 Michigan Senate debate
Jan 14, 2012
Rick Snyder:
Openly encourages innovators and entrepreneurs to immigrate
We will encourage immigrants with advanced college degrees to come to Michigan to live and work. We need to be a place that openly encourages innovators and entrepreneurs to come to our state. The evidence is clear that advance college degree immigrants
make a tremendous difference in creating a positive economic activity environment that benefits us all. Half of the startups in Silicon Valley have a foreign national as a founder. It is time we embrace this concept as a way to speed our reinvention.
Source: 2011 Michigan State of the State Address
Jan 19, 2011
Rick Snyder:
50,000 skilled worker visas to repopulate Detroit
Snyder unveiled a proposal that calls for the US government to allocate 50,000 special visas over the next five years to lure highly skilled immigrants to live and work in the bankrupt city of Detroit. Snyder's plan, which would need to be implemented by
the US government, is aimed at bringing jobs to the city while stemming an exodus of residents. Detroit's population has fallen to about 700,000 from a peak of 1.8 million in 1950. The EB-2 visas would be aimed at individuals with advanced degrees and
exceptional skills in fields like the auto industry and life sciences, Snyder said. EB-2 visas allow individuals with special talents to enter the country without a job offer. There is no precedent for special visas to be issued for a specific geographic
area, Snyder said. But he compared the program to a current one that grants visas to physicians who agree to work in under-served areas.
"Where else could you find a house for the prices you're going to find here? It's a good deal," Snyder said.
Source: Reuters on 2014 Michigan Governor's race
Jan 23, 2014
Terri Lynn Land:
No amnesty; seal the border; more H-1B visas
My Michigan First Plan for Immigration:- Secure the Border: The US-Mexico border should be effectively sealed with a combination of fencing, more US Border Patrol agents and new, high-tech monitoring devices.
- No Amnesty: The US should not give
amnesty to illegal immigrants.
- Modernize Visa Tracking: This is a data problem, and we have the technology to fix it.
- Increase High-Tech Visas: The H-1B visa program needs to be modernized so that we can add more highly skilled workers.
-
Update Green Card Program: Our industrialized allies have made employer-based immigration a high priority and America should do the same.
- Shorten Wait Times: A better legal immigration system rewards people for playing by the rules and discourages
people from trying to enter the US illegally.
- Employer Verification: We need to make sure our businesses have the tools they need to effectively verify the status of employees.
Source: 2014 Michigan Senate campaign website, TerriLynnLand.com
Aug 29, 2014
Tudor Dixon:
Housing migrant children supports criminal cartels
Dixon criticized Whitmer for allowing the federal government to temporarily house unaccompanied migrant children at a facility in Albion. Starr Commonwealth opened a shelter for children at the request of the federal government.
Dixon blamed Whitmer for the arrangement and said it means she supports criminal cartels. "Gretchen Whitmer supports the abuse of children at our southern border," Dixon said.
Source: Grand Rapids MLive.com on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race
May 7, 2021
Tudor Dixon:
Implement a statewide ban on sanctuary cities
Ban Sanctuary Cities: Implement a statewide ban on sanctuary cities and require cities and local governments to comply fully with federal immigration law.
Stiff penalties would be created for politicians and government officials that willingly ignore federal immigration laws.
Source: 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial campaign website TudorDixon.com
Aug 3, 2022
James Craig:
Large-scale migration at Mexican border is an invasion
Over the course of 2022, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered 2.2 million people crossing the border illegally. Many of those migrants crossing the border illegally are military-age males.
From a policy standpoint, we need to call this large-scale migration what it really is, an invasion. That invasion starts at the Mexican border. America needs to take a firmer stance on the Mexican government's failure to contain the migrant crisis.
Source: 2024 Michigan Senate campaign website ChiefJamesCraig.com
Oct 10, 2023
Tudor Dixon:
It's the women that are the victims of this open border
Dixon said the border control issue was one of the biggest threats to women and children in Michigan. "We have watched the Laken Rileys and the Jocelyn Nungarays and the Ruby Garcias of the country be hunted down and raped and murdered--it's the women,
I keep telling people, that are the victims of this open border. I think we're all the victims of this open border, but it's disproportionately women that end up with the most heinous crimes," said Dixon.
Source: Michigan Advance on 2026 Michigan Senate race
Nov 4, 2024
Aric Nesbitt:
Work with President Trump and ICE to deport illegal aliens
Aric understands how the Biden-Harris border crisis has endangered communities across our state and taken the lives of too many Michiganders. Last year, he visited the Southern Border and saw firsthand the challenges faced by Texas law enforcement and
border patrol. As Governor, he will end Whitmer's handouts to illegal aliens and work with President Trump and ICE to deport illegal aliens and crack down on criminal gangs and drug traffickers.
Source: 2026 Michigan campaign website NesbittForGovernor.com
Dec 25, 2025
Joe Tate:
Proposed drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants
House Bill 4195, introduced by Rep. Joe Tate, would allow undocumented immigrants in Michigan to obtain drivers licenses or other forms of state identification. The proposal has previously been called the Drive SAFE legislation in prior
legislative sessions. Advocates for the Drive SAFE bills argue allowing individuals, regardless of documentation status, to obtain proper identification would remove barriers to things like health care, financial services and housing.
Source: Detroit Free Press on 2026 Michigan Senate race
Mar 21, 2025
Mallory McMorrow:
We do not have a problem with our border with Canada
Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow pushed back hard on claims by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that the U.S. is facing a "northern border crisis," saying the
Trump administration should be looking harder at homegrown extremism with the recent killing of a Minnesota lawmaker. "I have not talked to a single person in this state who thinks we have an issue with Canada."
Source: Michigan Advance, "Noem", on 2026 Michigan Senate race
Jun 23, 2025
Mike Cox:
Illegal immigration strains public services and lowers wages
Illegal immigration strains public services and lowers wages. As Attorney General, I fought attempts to grant driver's licenses to illegal immigrants - opening the door to fraud. I'll continue to stand with law enforcement to
protect legal pathways, keep our communities safe, and invest in proven crime-fighting strategies that reduce violence and revitalize cities.
Source: 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial campaign website MikeCox2026.com
Dec 23, 2025
Mike Duggan:
We'll fight the terrorists but welcome their victims
Amid growing opposition from Republicans, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said today that he welcomes refugees to Detroit and is confident in the vetting process to screen out potential security threats. "Detroit is a welcoming community and it's
welcoming refugees, whether they come from Africa or Iraq or Syria," Duggan said. "We'll fight the terrorists but provide refuge to their victims. That's what this country is all about. ...We'll do our fair share."
Source: Detroit Free Press on 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Nov 23, 2015
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026